Keeping Cats Safe at Home
Reducing the impact pet cats have on wildlife and improve domestic cats’ health and safety
Collaborations - LEP23-005-Weddin-02_LLC_004
The issue
Cats have a significant impact on our native reptiles, birds, and mammals, with around 390 million native animals killed in Australia each year due to roaming pet cats alone. Roaming cats can also be a nuisance to the community and Weddin Shire Council were receiving an increasing number of complaints about cats.
The solution
The Keeping Cats Safe at Home project is a four-year behavioural change project being run by RSPCA NSW in conjunction with eleven Councils across NSW, including Weddin Shire. It is funded by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. The project aims to reduce the impact pet cats have on wildlife and improve domestic cats’ health and safety by encouraging responsible cat ownership.
Weddin Landcare worked with the local Council Ranger to apply for the program to help instigate cat management programs in the Weddin Shire. The project began with community consultation, which guided project activities for the Shire.
Weddin Landcare worked with the Council Ranger to implement a free desexing and microchipping program; distribute project messages through communication materials and promotions; deliver educational sessions to local primary schools about the benefits of keeping cats at home; and offer an incentive program for backyard Catnets enclosures to assist cat owners to contain their cat to their property while providing a welcoming outdoor space.
The impact
The free desexing and microchipping program has been incredibly popular, with over 300 cats desexed to date, reducing potential new kitten numbers by thousands. Thirty community members were successful in their application to receive a Catnets enclosure, reducing the threat to native animals. Over 100 primary school children were educated about the harm caused by roaming cats and the benefits of keeping them inside, with the broader impact of this information being taken home and shared with families. Overall, there has been a significant drop in the number of complaints about cats and unwanted litters being impounded.
This incredibly positive project has also resulted in a unique partnership between the partners involved and stronger bonds between Weddin Landcare and Council. Weddin has led the way for the State-wide project, attracting significantly more funding than first allocated as well as attention from other organisations keen to mimic the successes of the project.
Key facts
- 30 Catnets enclosures now set up across the local community
- Over 300 cats desexed so far
- 4 local primary schools received education on keeping cats inside
- Unique partnership project
- 70% reduction in cat complaints